Iceland in March: Longer Days, Late Snow and Road Access

Daylight, Weather and What’s Open

By mid-March, Reykjavík sees roughly 11–12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:30 and sunset near 19:30. Temperatures hover between -2°C and 3°C, and snow can fall any time, though the streets are usually clear. The Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle operate year-round, but some interior roads (F-roads) remain closed until June. The Reykjavík Art Museum and National Museum are open daily, and whale-watching from Old Harbour resumes mid-month. March is a shoulder month: fewer crowds than February’s half-term, but ski resorts like Bláfjöll (30 minutes from the city) are still running.

Hotel rates in Reykjavík drop 15–20% compared to February, with doubles in the 101 district around 18,000–25,000 ISK. Outside the capital, guesthouses along the South Coast (Vík, Hvolsvöllur) offer similar value. Book early for the last weekend of March, when Icelanders travel for the Easter break. Many rural attractions, such as the Víðgelmir lava cave, require guided tours that fill up. If you want northern lights, March still offers dark nights until the equinox, but cloud cover is common; check the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast daily.

Road Access and Driving Conditions

The Ring Road (Route 1) is generally passable in March, but expect patchy ice and sudden squalls, especially across Hellisheiði (30 minutes east of Reykjavík) and the Mýrdalsjökull area. Check road.is and vedur.is before setting out; winter tyres are mandatory from November to April. The Golden Circle loop (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is doable in a day if you leave by 9am, but the drive to Vík (2.5 hours from Reykjavík) often requires a 4x4 if snow is heavy. The Westfjords are best avoided unless you have significant winter driving experience—many passes close temporarily. I would book a hotel in Reykjavík for the first two nights and take a guided Golden Circle tour rather than self-drive on arrival day.

Car rental in March costs more than in summer due to demand for 4x4s; a compact 4x4 from Keflavík Airport starts around 15,000 ISK per day. Fuel is expensive (around 300 ISK per litre), so factor that into your budget. Domestic flights to Akureyri (45 minutes) are a good alternative if you want to see North Iceland without the drive. Buses to the Blue Lagoon and airport are frequent, but public transport to natural sights is limited. For flexibility, I recommend a 4x4 and a night in Vík to break up the South Coast drive, but only if you’re comfortable on winter roads.

Where to Stay: Reykjavík and Beyond

In Reykjavík, the 101 district (Miðborg) puts you within walking distance of Hallgrímskirkja, the Harpa concert hall and Laugavegur shopping street. Hotels here range from design boutique properties to simple guesthouses; expect to pay 20,000–30,000 ISK for a double with breakfast. The 105 district (Hlíðar) is quieter and cheaper, about 15 minutes’ walk from the centre, with easy bus links. For a splurge, the Grand Hotel (near Laugardalur) offers free parking and a spa, useful if you have a rental car. I would book a hotel in 101 for a city break, but choose 105 if you’re driving out daily.

Outside Reykjavík, the South Coast is the most popular March base. Vík has a handful of hotels and guesthouses with views of Reynisdrangar sea stacks; doubles cost 18,000–25,000 ISK. Hvolsvöllur is a good midpoint for Golden Circle and South Coast explorations. Near Þingvellir, the Ion Adventure Hotel (in Nesjavellir) is a stylish option but remote—you’ll need a car. If you’re chasing northern lights, consider a farm stay in Hella or Flúðir, where light pollution is low. Book directly with hotels for winter deals; many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours, but March weekends fill fast.

What to Pack and What to Skip

Pack layers: thermal base, fleece, waterproof shell, sturdy boots with grip, and a hat and gloves. March wind chill can make 0°C feel like -10°C. Bring a swimsuit for geothermal pools (Sky Lagoon and Secret Lagoon are less crowded than the Blue Lagoon) and a quick-dry towel. A headlamp is useful for early evening aurora hunts. For photography, a tripod and extra batteries (cold drains them). Skip the expensive guided tours if you’re confident driving; the main sights are well-signposted. But do not skip travel insurance that covers winter activities—weather delays are common.

Skip the temptation to drive the entire Ring Road in a week; March conditions can add hours to each leg. Instead, focus on the Golden Circle and South Coast as far as Jökulsárlón (4.5 hours from Reykjavík), which is achievable in 3–4 days with a night in Vík and another near Höfn. The Westman Islands ferry runs year-round but trips are often cancelled in March due to swell. Also skip the whale-watching if seasickness is an issue—the bay can be rough. I would book a hotel with free parking in Reykjavík for the first and last nights, and use it as a base for day trips.